Roadtrip to Roanoke

With
gas prices on the rise again,destinations close to home become ever
more appealing for travelers. Located within a day's drive of half the
nation's population, the Roanoke Valley offers unique attractions and
endless outdoor recreation.

Touted as the "capital of the Blue Ridge," Roanoke has a vibrant
downtown district that is highlighted by its railroad heritage, eclectic
art and architecture, and historic market square. The city's hip
restaurant scene satisfies every craving, from bistro and elegant steak
house fare to Thai and Indian cuisine.

"The historic city and surrounding countryside have so much in place
that is waiting to be discovered, even by our own residents," said
Landon Howard, executive director of Roanoke Valley Convention and
Visitors Bureau. "And there is always something new to do with a variety
of regional events throughout the year - from Strawberry and Kite
Festivals to the popular Blue Ridge Bike Fest."

Arts and Culture

Railroad buffs will delight in Roanoke's history as a railroad town and
manufacturing hub for Norfolk and Western's steam locomotives. (Norfolk
& Western merged with Southern Railway in 1982 to become Norfolk and
Southern.) Visitors can delve into rail transport history and climb
aboard some classic railcars at the Virginia Transportation Museum,
which showcases the largest collection of diesel and steam locomotives
in U.S., as well as automobiles, trucks and a rocket.

One man's passion for the steam-powered railway comes alive through his
acclaimed collection of artistic photos exhibited at the O. Winston Link
Museum. Link's persistent photographic studies document the last five
years of Norfolk and Western's steam locomotive runs. His passionate
work is profiled in an excellent museum video presentation.

Roanoke's architectural masterpiece is the Taubman Museum of Art, opened
in 2008. The contemporary building features glass and metals in an
angled and curved design - a sculptural tribute to the surrounding Blue
Ridge and Appalachian Mountains and the region's industrial beginnings.

Taubman showcases American art, modern, decorative and folk art of
regional and national artists. Special spring exhibitions include Quilt
Art by international quilters and Hollis Siegler lithographs, titled
the Breast Cancer Diaries. The museum offers regular programs including
family days, classes and camps.

Fresh Air and Greenways

A major draw to Roanoke's downtown is the City Market, with year-round
vendors selling produce, flowers, meats and seasonal products from local
farms. The market area includes artisan booths with handcrafted items
and specialty boutiques. Operating since 1882, the City Market is the
longest continuously running open-air market in Virginia, and has been
recognized as a "Great American Public Place" by the Lyndhurst
Foundation.

The 100-foot-tall Roanoke Star perched on Mill Mountain is the city's
most notable landmark, where visitors can access an overlook to take in
panoramic views across the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Families
enjoy walking on Mill Mountain Park nature trails or a visit to Mill
Mountain Zoo, one of few in the nation located on a mountain.

Roanoke's Greenway, popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists, will
soon connect more than 20 miles of paved trails, linking together
neighborhoods and downtown along the Roanoke River. Rent a bike at
Cambria Suites Hotel located on the trail, and you can ride along the
river and explore historic Grandin, a 1920's neighborhood and village
with a restored theatre. Stop for ice cream at Pop's, the ‘best soda
fountain in town' for 104 years. Antique lovers will want to browse
Grandin's Black Dog Salvage, a 40,000 square foot warehouse of
architectural treasures including mantels, wrought iron, windows,
stained glass and one-of-a-kind design items.

Outdoor adventurers in the Roanoke Valley will find multiple access
points for hiking the Appalachian Trail, cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway
or nearby canoeing on the James River.

Wine with a View

For wine lovers interested in Virginia wines, one of the Commonwealth's
scenic Wine Trails meanders through historic Botetourt County, north of
Roanoke. In hilly countryside, the Botetourt Wine Trail leads to three
family-run, farm wineries, all within about a 20-30 minute drive apart.

Set on hundreds of pastoral acres surrounded by mountain views, the Blue
Ridge Vineyard, Virginia Mountain Vineyard, and Fincastle Vineyard
& Winery each have a different character and produce some different
wines, but all grow their own grapes and use old-world production
methods. Visitors can taste a wide selection of wines from light sweet
whites to full-bodied reds grown from varietals such as Riesling,
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The Botetourt Wine Trail offers an outdoor Summer Concert series at each
vineyard and other venues, combining music, wine tasting and specialty
foods. The three wineries offer tastings, tours and family events
throughout the year, which include live music with local bands, theme
parties and lawn picnics.

If you go: Roanoke offers a wide choice of accommodations, from the
newly renovated contemporary Sheraton Hotel near the mall to the
legendary, Tudor-style Hotel Roanoke, as well as several Bed and
Breakfasts in historic neighborhoods. www.visitroanokeva.com;
www.botetourt.org.